KANLAON Volcano on Negros Island continues to show heightened activity, with at least 26 volcanic earthquakes recorded daily for three consecutive days, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported Saturday.
On January 1, the volcano registered 26 quakes, followed by 27 quakes on both January 2 and 3. New Year’s Eve saw even greater activity, with 45 quakes logged.
Tremors lasting between 10 and 282 minutes were also noted, with eight recorded on January 1 and nine on January 2.
Ash emission events were observed during the first two days of 2025, though none were detected in the latest 24-hour monitoring period ending early Saturday.
Kanlaon continues to emit sulfur dioxide at a rate of 5,840 tons per day.
Its plume, described as moderate, rose to 750 meters and drifted northwest and west, with ongoing degassing observed. The volcano’s edifice also remains inflated, signaling continued unrest.
ALERT LEVEL 3 MAINTAINED
PHIVOLCS has maintained Alert Level 3 at Kanlaon following its explosive eruption on December 9, which displaced thousands of residents.
This alert level indicates magmatic intrusion at shallow levels, with the potential for a hazardous eruption within weeks.
The expanded danger zone now covers a six-kilometer radius from the summit crater, with possible hazards including sudden explosions, lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfall, and lahar during heavy rains.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is preparing for the possibility of an escalation in activity, including a lava flow, violent eruption, or a plateau in volcanic activity.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols.